Reservoirs can influence water temperature by altering the natural flow of water. The impounded water in a reservoir often warms up under sunlight, creating a surface layer with higher temperatures. This can impact the overall thermal stratification of the water body, potentially affecting aquatic ecosystems. Changes in water temperature can influence fish habitats and the timing of biological processes like spawning.
Additionally, the release of water from the reservoir, which is often drawn from the bottom, can be colder than the surface water, further influencing downstream water temperature. Proper reservoir management and strategies, such as selective withdrawal from different depths, are sometimes employed to mitigate the impact on downstream water temperature and maintain ecological balance.
